Check against delivery

Mr. Speaker, during the last sitting, I committed to keeping this Legislative Assembly informed about the steps our government is taking to support adult learning and community-based education in the wake of Aurora College’s decision to close Community Learning Centres earlier this year.

Today, I rise to share an important milestone in that work. Mr. Speaker, I am going to begin my update in Dene Zhatıé

[The following portion  will be spoken in Dene Zhatıé]

A territory-wide lead testing protocol launches this week for school drinking water. The protocol outlines a clear, consistent, and science-based approach to sampling and testing water in all Northwest Territories (NWT) JK-12 schools.

The protocol is grounded in Health Canada’s guidance and was adapted to meet the unique needs of the NWT, which include logistical challenges such as remote locations, trucked water systems, and older infrastructure in some schools.

Initial findings and recommendations from the investigation into concerns around education in the Dehcho region have been released to the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) by the independent investigator. The GNWT is taking immediate actions to support education bodies with next steps.

On July 10, the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) appointed an independent investigator under section 113 of the Education Act to investigate a range of concerns in the region and provide findings and recommendations for solutions.

Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today on the restoration of the Northwest Territories’ 2025 nominee allocation:

“I am very pleased to share that the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has received confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that our full 2025 nominee allocation has been restored. This brings our total back to 300 nominations, a full return to pre-2025 levels.

The Tłı̨chǫ Government (TG), Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN), and Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) are working together to support workers, businesses, and communities affected by recent changes in the diamond mining sector — while laying the foundation for a more diverse resource economy.

Applications are now open for spots on the Northwest Territories Social Assistance Appeal Board. Interested residents are encouraged to apply to serve as members of the Board.

What does the Social Assistance Appeal Board do?

This Board is the final level of appeal for people who have applied for a social assistance program and disagree with the decision made. The appeals are specifically related to the Income Assistance or Income Assistance for Seniors or Persons with Disabilities programs.

The Board operates under these authorities:

This year, the NWT Education Hall of Fame will add five inductees to its class of 2024. The Hall of Fame honours the passion and dedication of Northerners who have left their mark on the territory's education system. This year's inductees have spent their careers embracing this spirit.

Their contributions have made a difference in the following ways:

The Office of the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) has lifted the Health Order previously in place at Range Lake North School, following confirmation that lead levels in drinking water no longer exceed Health Canada guidelines.

All fountains and fixtures used for drinking water and food preparation have been replaced, and follow-up testing has confirmed overall water quality. Standard operating procedures are being developed to support ongoing maintenance — including filter replacement and routine re-testing — to ensure the water remains safe over time.

History buffs and culture enthusiasts, take note! A new exhibit is coming soon to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC).

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is looking for your input on a new post-secondary program in the territory.

Collège Nordique Francophone hopes to offer a Management and Leadership Certificate program. If approved, the first students would take this program in January 2026.